Chris Clem told Election Commission members on Monday that he was stepping down as the panel's attorney at the end of the month.
Jerry Summers, election commissioner who was formerly the lawyer for the commission, said attorney Clem had indicated that he was being forced out.
Attorney Clem said he had served six years, which was the same length of time he was in the state legislature.
He said he wanted to get back involved in politics, including supporting some friends who are running in the upcoming election.
Mike Walden, chairman, said, "Chris Clem did an honorable and commendable job as our attorney. Chris Clem is my friend."
Commissioner Summers recommended that the commission advertise for an attorney, but Chairman Walden said the post had not been advertised in the past.
Commissioner Summers also said he has problems with the way the commission is going about picking a successor to Election Administrator Charlotte Mullis-Morgan.
He said the notice was only posted from Nov. 18-22 on the county website and said a bachelor's degree is required. He said several recent administrators did not have college degrees, but performed well in the job.
The commission declined to change the process. There were 39 applicants.
Mr. Walden said, "The Democrats appointed the administrator for 140 years and the new administrator will be a Republican."
He said the matter will be discussed further at the meeting on Jan. 8.
Mr. Walden said Ms. Mullis has agreed to stay on longer if necessary and to work part-time after the new administrator is chosen. She earlier said she was retiring on Feb. 4.